Preparing To Purchase New Windows? Consider This! | Hawaii
Buying new windows involves much more than just showing up at any home improvement supply store in Hawaii to choose the new windows you want. If only things were that easy. The truth is that there are many things to consider before you make your final decision, some of which can affect the type of new windows you end up selecting. In this article, we list the most important things you should consider and keep in mind throughout the selection and purchase of new windows for your Hawaii home, so read on to find out what you need to know to get the best new windows for your home’s needs.
First Things First: Your Budget
Before you go out to look for the most expensive new windows you can find, the first thing you should work on is your budget. Having a budget allows you to be realistic about the type of windows you can safely afford, without sinking yourself into unmanageable debt. Having a financial base that you can build on, will also give you some leeway when it comes to choosing the materials for your new windows, which can result in a more efficient option for your home.
Energy Efficiency Is Important
Energy efficient windows should be one of the most important parts of your budget. This is because the higher their energy efficiency rating, the more money you will save on your power bill. Nowadays, energy efficient windows are manufactured in a wide selection of colors, materials, and designs, so, even if your budget is not as high as you would like it to be, energy efficiency is probably the first thing you should consider when looking for new windows.
Architectural Design Matters
When choosing windows, always make sure they actually match your home’s architectural style, otherwise, they may not provide the visual effect you are looking for. A clear example of this is when you own a rural-style home and want to purchase contemporary design windows in an aluminum frame. In this case, you can highlight your home’s design by using wood frames that match its style rather than something that will end up decreasing its curb appeal.
Different Materials for Different Tastes
Today, windows are available in a wide range of materials, and even though the most common one is, and always has been, wood, you may benefit from choosing a different material for your window frames, when you factor in different features such as the price, energy efficiency, durability, and amount of maintenance required by each one.
The Need for Safety
Windows aren’t only made to allow light into your home or to keep out the rain. Windows are also a way to make your home safer by helping to keep unwanted visitors out and protect your family inside. With this in mind, you should always keep in mind the safety provided by the windows you are selecting. If you have small children, make sure the safety features of your windows will prevent tiny fingers from opening them. Your windows should also be resistant to outside interference, meaning that they shouldn’t be easy to open from the outside, which will be a deterrent to burglars and other unwanted characters.
Glazing for Insulation Purposes
Your window’s glazing is a very important feature because it can make the difference between great insulation properties and allowing the cool air to escape from your home, resulting in a marked increase in your power bill. While the most inexpensive option usually includes only one pane of glass, these windows tend to shatter more often, so the minimum standard demands the use of two panes, with a layer of gas in between each pane. This provides a good level of energy efficiency and safety, making double-pane windows the most common choice today. Keep in mind that even though triple pane windows are more expensive, they are the best way to provide the highest level of insulation to your home, and are especially beneficial when you live in areas that are excessively loud due to traffic, or other reasons.
Many Design Options
As with most things today, windows are available in numerous designs. Each one is manufactured with distinct functions in mind and should be used under different conditions. Because of this, it is important to keep in mind the exact point of your home in which the windows will be installed. This will also influence the final cost, so try to avoid making the mistake of purchasing the wrong type of window no matter how much you love it.
What About the Warranty?
Don’t allow yourself to be fooled by a “lifetime warranty” on windows. While this may give the impression that your windows will last forever, the truth is that the warranty will always be good for a limited time. Make sure you read and understand the warranty prior to making any purchase. Make a note of the conditions under which it will be validated, and for how long it will be enforceable. This will save you from more than one headache if anything happens to your windows somewhere down the line.
Don’t Forget About Local Ordinances
Before you purchase any windows for your home, you should make a point out of taking a look at your local building and zoning codes. This will give you a good sense of what is allowed and what isn’t, which will help with your search by taking a few potential problems off your list. In the end, no matter what windows you end up choosing, make sure they fulfill your needs and desires. After all, as long as you’re comfortable with them, that is the only thing that matters.
At Sunburst Windows, we pride ourselves on having the experience, and knowledge that have located us in the leading position in regard to providing Hawaii homeowners with high-quality products and service. So, when you are getting ready to purchase new windows for your home, simply pick up your phone and give us a call today!
See our previous blog post here!
